Cooking filet mignon can feel intimidating — it’s a premium cut, tender, expensive, and often reserved for special occasions. But here’s the good news: once you learn how to cook filet mignon in air fryer, it becomes one of the easiest and most reliable ways to get a perfectly seared, juicy steak at home. As someone who has spent years testing cooking methods, temperatures, seasonings, and equipment variations, I’m going to walk you through the process so you achieve restaurant-quality results every time.
This guide uses an expert approach with clear instructions, temperature accuracy, and technique-based reasoning. Stay with me, and by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to cook filet mignon in your air fryer like a pro.
Why Air Frying Filet Mignon Works So Well
Filet mignon has a unique texture — extremely tender with low connective tissue and low fat marbling. Traditionally, it’s pan-seared and oven-finished, but an air fryer replicates this method effortlessly because:
- It circulates high-temperature air rapidly, creating a golden, crisp exterior.
- It cooks evenly from all sides.
- It requires minimal oil.
- It’s fast, controlled, and consistent.
The result? A beautiful crust outside, buttery tenderness inside, and perfect doneness without guesswork.
Step 1: Prepare Your Filet Correctly
This step is essential — the preparation sets up the final result.
Bring it to room temperature
Let the steak rest on the counter for 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents a cold interior with an overcooked exterior.
Pat dry thoroughly
Water turns to steam — and steam prevents browning. A dry surface equals a better crust.
Oil and season generously
Brush lightly with:
- Avocado oil, olive oil, or canola oil
Then season with: - Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked pepper
Optional upgrade additions:
- Garlic powder
- Crushed rosemary
- Smoked salt
- Montreal steak seasoning
- Browned butter rub
Keep the seasoning simple — filet mignon’s flavor shines best when not over-complicated.
Step 2: How to Cook Filet Mignon in Air Fryer
This is where precision matters.
Preheat your air fryer
Set to 400°F (205°C) and let it heat fully for 3–5 minutes. Many people skip preheating — and that’s why they miss the seared crust.
Position the filet
Place the steak in a single layer in the basket. Make sure:
- No overlapping
- No stacking
- Space exists for air to circulate
Cook using the correct timing
For medium-rare (the ideal doneness for this cut):
- Air fry for 9–11 minutes at 400°F
- Flip halfway through
General timing based on thickness:
| Filet Thickness | Doneness | Time |
| 1 inch | Medium-Rare | 7–9 min |
| 1.5 inches | Medium-Rare | 9–11 min |
| 2 inches | Medium-Rare | 11–13 min |
These times assume you remove the steak slightly before target temperature because of carryover cooking during resting.
Step 3: Temperature and Doneness Guide
A thermometer is your best friend. The following temperatures represent the steak before resting:
| Doneness | Pull at Temp | Final Temp After Rest |
| Rare | 120°F | 125°F |
| Medium-Rare | 130°F | 135°F |
| Medium | 140°F | 145°F |
| Medium-Well | 150°F | 155°F |
If you want a tender filet, medium-rare to medium is the sweet spot.
Step 4: Resting — The Secret Many Skip
Once cooked:
- Transfer the steak to a plate
- Tent loosely with foil (optional)
- Let rest 5–10 minutes
During resting:
- Internal heat continues to rise
- Juices redistribute
- Fibers relax
Cutting early causes the juices to spill out — leaving the steak drier and less flavorful.
Optional: Add a Butter Finish
For that steakhouse taste, finish with a compound butter:
Classic Garlic-Herb Butter
Mix:
- Room temp butter
- Minced garlic
- Fresh parsley
- Salt
- Lemon zest (optional)
Place a slice on top right when resting — it melts luxuriously into the surface.
Serving Suggestions
Serve filet mignon with:
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Herbed rice
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Creamed spinach
- Caesar salad
- Red wine reduction sauce
For wine pairing:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Malbec
- Pinot Noir
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use cold steak
It cooks unevenly.
Don’t skip preheating
It prevents crusting.
Don’t overcrowd the basket
This causes steaming, not searing.
Don’t slice immediately after cooking
Resting is mandatory.
Flavor Variations
You can experiment with different profiles:
Peppercorn Crust
Press crushed black peppercorns into steak before cooking.
Bourbon-Brown Sugar Glaze
Mix brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce — brush lightly in the final 2 minutes.
Italian Herb Style
Season with oregano, basil, garlic, olive oil.
Each variation maintains the integrity of the meat while adding flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you cook frozen filet mignon in an air fryer?
Yes, but you’ll need additional cooking time — around 15–18 minutes total. Season after the first 5 minutes once the surface thaws.
2. Do you need to marinate filet mignon?
No. The filet is naturally tender and mild. A marinade can actually obscure its flavor. Dry seasoning works best.
3. Should you sear before or after air frying?
Optional — some chefs do a quick pan sear for extra crust, but air fryers generally deliver enough browning on their own.
4. Can you cook multiple steaks at once?
Yes, as long as your air fryer is large enough and there is space between them. Never stack.
5. What oil is best for steak in the air fryer?
Use oils with high smoke points:
- Avocado
- Canola
- Grapeseed
Avoid low-smoke-point butter for initial application — use butter after cooking.
Final Thoughts
Once you understand how to cook filet mignon in air fryer, you’ll realize it’s one of the easiest, fastest, and most consistent ways to cook this premium cut. With a hot preheated air fryer, proper seasoning, accurate temperature control, and a crucial resting period, you’ll get a steak that’s tender, juicy, deeply flavorful, and restaurant-worthy.
